Harvard University has lost its federal authorisation to enrol international students for the 2025–2026 academic year, following a directive from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification in a letter dated 22 May. 

The university now has just 72 hours to comply with six federal demands to regain its eligibility.

Six strict demands, 72-hour countdown

Harvard’s only route to restoring its SEVP status before the new academic year hinges on fulfilling six federal requirements. These include:

All records of “illegal activity” involving nonimmigrant students over the last five years

Documentation of “dangerous or violent activity” on or off campus by these students

Records of “threats made” by them toward others

Any evidence of these students depriving others of their rights

All disciplinary records of nonimmigrant students since 2020

Any protest-related audio or video involving nonimmigrant students